"Is there anything I can do to help you now?"
"Yes. Hunty... be a good lad and sit here with Addie. And, Hortie, get me a glass of sherry."
"Sherry?" the servant repeated. "Do you think that's a good idea?"
"Yes, I do! Kindly obey me!" Lady Thomasina snapped, then pasted on a smile as she returned her attention to the young couple. "My, what pleasure it gives me to see the two of you sitting together like this...."
A flush warmed Adrienne's cheeks. She felt odd, but then suddenly her ladyship widened her eyes in alarm and pressed a hand to her huge bosom. "What is it? Another spell?" Instantly Adrienne reached for her hand and looked back at Huntsford. "It is terrible not to be able to help!"
He was watching his mother. "Perhaps there will be something we can do."
"Yes..." Another beatific smile curved her ladyship's mouth. "Addie, nothing would make me happier during my last days than for you to be my daughter. Oh, to see my darling Hunty married and starting a family with you, in the homes I've loved! I want to spend whatever time I have left in the company of my children... Hunty and Addie."
She was stunned. "My lady, are you quite lucid? Perhaps the apoplexy has impaired your..."
"My mind?" Lady Thomasina was tart again. "Not a bit. I've been hoping that you two would find each other in your own time, but now we may not have that luxury. I must add that you might have developed a tendresse for my son earlier, if not for the interference of Mr. Essex. Might you agree?"
Huntsford spoke up first. "I would agree. Of course, I cannot speak for Adrienne, but in my own case, I felt drawn to her the instant we met on the steps outside." Very softly he touched her arm. "Do you remember?"
"I remember, and I do care very much for both of you, but—I am not certain I am ready to think about marriage!" The sight of Lady Thomasina going pale again was frightening. Adrienne squeezed her hand, then impulsively kissed it. "I have been through a great deal recently, and if I marry Huntsford, I want to be certain that I am able to make that decision with a clear mind. That does not mean I refuse. On the contrary—" Adrienne glanced up in time to see Hortie scurry out of the bedroom. "I will give your words very careful consideration."
"We shall have to woo her, Mummy," Huntsford said.
"I suppose." Pouting, her ladyship glanced away, her chins trembling. "I am tired now."
"I should go to bed myself," Adrienne agreed. "Please don't be cross with me, my lady. I want very much to make you happy."
When she had gone, closing the door in her wake, Lady Thomasina Harms glared at her son. "I don't know where Hortie went, so I assume that she will return momentarily. There's no time to waste."
"That was quite a performance, Mummy."
"Yes, well, someone had to grasp hold of the situation before the opportunity slipped away. When I mulled over all the elements, it seemed that a deathbed request had the best chance of success. I'll stay near death for days if necessary! Of course, I don't doubt that you might have been able to bring her 'round to marriage on your own, but who knows how much time we have? Besides, Miss Beau isn't searching for a husband. It will take special circumstances to push her to the altar."
"She's not quite herself now, since the... incident. Not as strong and independent as usual."
"Exactly! And we must take advantage of that weakness!"
As his mother droned on, Huntsford Harms realized how well pleased he was with the turn of events. The notion of marrying Adrienne was attractive for many reasons, not the least of which was her arm's-length attitude, the resulting lust generated in him, and the probability that he'd have even more access to his mother's assets once he became a husband to the right woman.
However, Huntsford was hatching a plan of his own that he couldn't share with her ladyship. Now that Frakes-Hogg was dead, he intended to sail to Barbados on the pretext of delivering the news of his death to his business partner, Xavier Crowe. Then Harms would explain that Frakes-Hogg had been planning to send Huntsford to work with Crowe but hadn't had a chance to write the letter before his untimely death. After arriving on the island with his bride, Huntsford would be harder to turn away, and Adrienne would not only add to his own luster, but her presence on Barbados would drive Nathan Essex/Raveneau utterly insane....
* * *
Hortie carried a lit candle as she felt her way along the dark corridors of the servants' quarters. Once all the rooms had been filled, but the staff had been cut so much in recent years that now most were empty, collecting dust and cobwebs.
The next-to-last door on the left was closed tightly. She knocked twice, paused, then added another sharp rap. Inside, the bolt slid across, and the door opened perhaps one inch.
"It's Hortie!" she whispered. "Let me in. I haven't much time!"
A strong male hand reached out of the gloom and pulled her inside. "Finally! I'm going to go raving mad in here!"
Through the shadows, she made out the now-familiar figure of Nathan Essex. Clad in a loose white shirt, snug breeches, and top boots, he seemed more romantic than ever and even a bit savage. His dark face was unshaven, and his hair was in attractive disarray. The tray of food she'd brought earlier perched on a stool in the corner, scarcely touched.
"You should have eaten," Hortie scolded.
"Easy for you to say. What was that on the plate? Scraps the cook was saving for the dogs?"
"I could hardly assemble a proper meal for you, could I, without arousing suspicion? You're supposed to be two days' journey away from Harms Castle, after all, not hiding in—"
"This godforsaken cell!"
"I'll thank you to show a bit of gratitude, sir! What would you do without my help?"
Nathan had the good grace to be serious for a moment. He smiled in the darkness and touched the abigail's face, admitting, "You're quite right. I am deeply in debt to you, Hortie, and I'm still endeavoring to find another way to repay you."
"You've given me more than I dreamed—"
"But that's just money. I mean something of substance."
Horde's face colored. "Well, sir, you'll have plenty of time to think about that, but for now I must hurry! I wanted you to know that Lady Thomasina is pretending to be on her deathbed in order to force Miss Beauvisage into marriage with his lordship! She put on the most amazing performance tonight, and even I was taken in for a while."
"And Adrienne?" he asked hoarsely.
"She's still rather in a daze, and that's what they're counting on, I know it! And, of course, she thinks she's lost you. The girl has a kind heart, and she's awfully fond of her ladyship. If she thought she could make her last days happy, there's no telling what might happen!"
"I don't believe it. The girl I know vows she won't marry any man!"
Hortie put her hand on the latch. "Why should I argue with you? I only know what I heard. Her first instinct was to say no, but then she began wavering, and her ladyship started swooning. If I was you, sir, I wouldn't sit in here with the rats and wait for the right moment to make your move. Before you do, Lord Harms might convince her to elope!"
* * *
Adrienne was a devoted nurse to Lady Thomasina. She even picked up where Nathan had left off in Pride and Prejudice and tried to read with as much lively humor as he had, but her ladyship would not be cheered. Hour after hour she lay on her pillows, refusing food. Even Angus found the mood too depressing and removed himself to the library. There he curled up in Lady Thomasina's tub chair with his scrap of blue glove and a chicken neck, growling at anyone who dared approach.
"Nothing seems to be working," Adrienne said to Huntsford. The clock had just struck nine, prompting the old woman to proclaim weakly that it was her bedtime.
"You can't sit here all night, my dear." He sighed. "Let Mummy sleep, and you and I will repair to the library for some Madeira and a nice chat."
Her ladyship opened one eye. "Yes, Addie. Go with Hunty. That's what will make me better. Hortie can look after me."
Outside in the corridor, he tu
rned liquid brown eyes on her. "Don't you see, Adrienne, that only one thing will revive her?"
"I can't talk about this right now." Wondering if she were going mad, Adrienne walked quickly down the stairs to the library where she and Nathan had passed so many happy hours. When had it all begun to go wrong? Now that the shock of Walter's attack and death was wearing off, Adrienne simply ached for Nathan. The more hours that passed without him, the greater her pain became. Adrienne thought that she would do anything for another hour of banter with Nathan—and one more inexpressibly arousing kiss...
Huntsford followed her into the library. He had already lit candles and poured glasses of Madeira for them. Adrienne didn't question this, but picked hers up and paced the long room, drinking and staring at the monochromatic rows of books. In her mind's eye she saw Nathan again, high on the ladder, searching out bottle-green volumes.
"Tell me what I can do to win you, and I shall obey," Huntsford said in a low voice, coming up behind her.
"You are too kind." Was it possible that she would never see Nathan again? She had no idea where he came from, or where he had gone. "The events... of the past few days have left their mark on me, I think. I've always prided myself on being resilient—"
"And you shall be again. I can help you. I'll care for you and give you anything within my power to make you happy." He turned her in his arms, reminding himself that Adrienne had liked Nathan's masculine forcefulness. "Perhaps there is more to me than you imagine, my dear!"
"I'm certain you are right." It was a relief to lean against him. Huntsford offered unwavering support, unlike the prickly, mysterious Nathan Essex. If Nathan had truly cared, wouldn't he have stayed and fought for her—as Huntsford continued to do?
"Oh, Adrienne, I want you so much." Slipping his arms around her, he searched her beautiful face for a sign. She didn't struggle, but passively closed her eyes and turned her mouth up to him. Desire broke over him in waves. "My darling!" he cried in a deep, commanding voice, then took possession of her lips.
She tried to lose herself in his kiss, but felt only an odd sense of awkwardness, as if their mouths didn't quite fit and their rhythms were different. There was none of the euphoric, thrilling liberation Adrienne had known in Nathan's arms. Perhaps her recent ordeal was to blame, however. She might need more time to thaw from the shock she'd sustained....
"I feel terribly warm." She gave him a tremulous smile and slipped free of his embrace. "I don't know if I'm ready for this—"
"Adrienne," he muttered, "I adore you. I've never felt this way about a woman in my life." He could still feel the pressure of her breasts against him, and lust surged through his veins. She seemed unattainable! "One word from you, and Mummy and I will both be the happiest people in the world. You know that is the only thing that will enable her to recover, don't you? I'll pamper you, and take you on a tour of Europe—every year if you like!"
Panicky at the thought of another kiss, Adrienne reached for her goblet and drank. Perhaps Huntsford was right. Would it be so terrible to become Lady Adrienne? If Nathan were coining back, it would be different, but he was gone forever.
And if she refused and Lady Thomasina died, how would she feel for the rest of her life?
"Please," Huntsford coaxed. "Let me kiss you some more, and we'll see how we get along, if you take my meaning. Would you guess that I am a skilled and tender lover? Your pleasure will be my only goal...."
Wavering, Adrienne set down her glass. She had taken one step toward him when, suddenly, the tall windows burst open with a crash and a man jumped lightly into the room.
He wore a white shirt, breeches, top boots, and a wicked smile.
"That was a pretty speech, Harms!" Nathan walked toward them, brandishing a sword. "I sympathize with your plight, but sympathy is all you'll get tonight. You will never be Adrienne's lover as long as I live."
"What the deuce are you doing here?" Huntsford shrieked.
"Why, I've come to abduct Adrienne," he replied coolly. "Come over here, chit."
"Nathan, this is madness," she said. Her heart raced with giddy excitement, a feeling she'd nearly forgotten in his absence.
"Do you see this sword? It means that we don't argue. You must do as you're told." He gestured neatly with the weapon. "Come over here."
Adrienne obeyed, and Huntsford went scarlet. "She doesn't want you! We are betrothed!"
"If that's true, it's all the more reason for me to remove her from this place." Nathan drew her firmly against him with his free arm. "Her father would definitely not approve of such a match."
Adrienne looked up at his rakish face, captivated and furious at the same time. "Where did you come from? Are you mad?"
"Perhaps. Are you?" To further inflame Harms, Nathan forcefully pressed his mouth to hers. "You see, kissing can still be fun. Come with me and I'll convince you further."
As she allowed him to hoist her onto the waist-high sill, and thence to the balcony, Adrienne wondered if she truly was losing her mind. "Lady Thomasina is ill—"
"No, she isn't. Not a bit. Hold on." Without sparing another word for Huntsford Harms, Nathan tossed his sword to the ground and carried her over the railing. Conveniently, there was a sturdy trellis attached, and they were on the lawn in moments.
"Huntsford will follow us. He is very determined," she warned.
"I doubt that. You see?" Laughing, Nathan retrieved his sword and pointed with it to the figure in the window above. "He hasn't the nerve even to come out!"
Adrienne did as he bade and mounted the waiting stallion. A moment later Nathan was behind her on the beast's back, one powerful arm round her waist.
"Say hello to Runaway," he whispered in her ear, his several days' growth of beard tickling her in a way that was maddenly provocative. "The moon is full, and it's a wonderful night for adventure, hmm?"
The stallion threw his head back and snorted. As they galloped off across the grounds, Huntsford screamed wildly from the open windows.
"This will kill Mummy, y'know! You'll both pay! I'll hunt you down, mark my words!"
"I'm shaking with terror," Nathan murmured into the wind.
Part Three
Once more upon the waters, yet once more!
And the waves bound beneath me as a steed
That knows his rider! Welcome to their roar!
Swift be their guidance, whereso'er it lead!
—George Gordon, Lord Byron
Chapter 14
It seemed to take hours to reach Winchester. Jouncing along on the back of a horse ominously christened Runaway, Adrienne experienced a total lack of control. Her slim gown forced her to keep both legs on one side, and she constantly felt on the verge of hurtling into a ditch or hedgerow. Nathan held the reins, so she could do no more than cling alternately to Runaway's mane and her kidnapper's body, and pray. With only the moon to light their way, they thundered so recklessly along a hilly, winding road that Adrienne was certain each moment would be her last.
"Please!" she yelled after an especially terrifying brush with death. "Slow down!"
"A search party led by Jarrow is doubtless in close pursuit!" Nathan replied with mock horror. "He would not be merciful if he overcame us."
"Jarrow?" she echoed, laughing.
No other words passed between them. Adrienne had no wish to distract him, and in fact, she was secretly quite thrilled. When coherent thought became possible, she decided that tonight Nathan epitomized all her girlhood fantasies. It truly was a delicious adventure—in part because Adrienne trusted her abductor.
In time, as it became clear that no one was chasing them, and Runaway began to tire slightly, Nathan drew back slightly on the reins. The River Itchen was a molten silver ribbon, following the road to the west. An owl hooted from a tree, and rabbits scooted about in the meadow. Adrienne could scarcely keep her eyes open. When Nathan gathered her against his chest with his arm, she snuggled in and dozed. The night air was cool, and she had sorely missed the familiar touch a
nd scent and sturdy warmth of him.
Was it her imagination, or did he kiss her hair after a while?
Adrienne awoke in Winchester, as they drew up outside the porter's door at St. Cross Hospital. For centuries, needy travelers had received a portion of bread and a horn of ale known as the Wayfarer's Dole. Adrienne was shocked that Nathan would come here for food, but realized that he probably thought it was the one place they could be guaranteed safety.
When they had eaten, she stood shivering next to Runaway and gave Nathan a faltering smile. "I've been thinking—"
"No need for that yet," came his cheerfully sardonic reply. "We must make haste."
"No, Nathan, I mean I have been thinking about what we're doing. I appreciate your concern for my welfare, and part of me was relieved to escape from Harms Castle, but I have realized that I cannot go. Not yet."
"Too late, I fear. We've already gone."
"I mean, I ought to go back."
"Sorry."
Adrienne stuck out her chin. "I am not making a request, Nathan. This is my decision." She spoke slowly, weighting each word with conviction. "I can't just run away. All my things are there, and I must resolve my affairs with Lady Thomasina... and Huntsford as well."
"No." He shook his handsome head. "I'm afraid that's out of the question."
Her patience was ebbing rapidly. "How can you behave this way? You have no right to make these decisions for me. If you won't take me back, then leave me, and I'll hire a chaise in the morning."
"Your father hired me to make these decisions, I'm afraid, and this matter is fixed. We will continue."
Adrienne's rage increased. She threw herself at Nathan, but he simply grasped her wrists, easily subduing her. "I hate you! You cannot bully me in this manner! I won't allow it!"
"Just when we were beginning to have fun, you turn on me. Ah, well, I'm used to it." He threw her onto Runaway's back, swinging up behind her in the next instant. The horse started forward and Adrienne let out a yell of panic. "You don't want to ride that way until dawn, do you? I'll let you sit, and leave your wrists untied, if you promise to behave yourself."
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